We “fall back” this weekend, which means it will get dark earlier. Which means it could be harder to see cyclists and pedestrians, or potholes, or other street hazards. In addition, there are new and ongoing street construction projects, including several non-motorized (bike and pedestrian) improvements underway, which could impact traffic. As always, with all this activity it's important to travel with care.
Stuart Road and Cordata Parkway – roundabout
Work is underway to construct a multimodal roundabout at the intersection of Stuart and Cordata, after utilities have been relocated. The roundabout will provide access to Whatcom Community College and the Cordata neighborhood and the new planned park. Drivers can expect delays, with construction lasting through Spring 2019. For more information, visit the City's project web page or contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Lakeway Drive and Lincoln Street
Crews are working at the intersection of Undine Street south of Lakeway Drive to construct a new HAWK signal and sidewalk. There is also work underway at the Lakeway and Grant streets intersection for a new HAWK signal. Additional work is coming up at Otis Street, Maple Street and Samish Way, so motorists can expect flaggers in all areas with possible minor delays. This project will deliver a bike boulevard, new sidewalks, ramps, wayfinding and restoration, and will include four new pedestrian crossing signals. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
Non-Motorized (bike and ped) improvements
Work is underway on a series of bicycle and/or pedestrian improvement projects, funded by the Transportation Benefit District. For a map of locations or more information, visit the project web page or contact the project engineer, Larry Scholten, PE, at ljscholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923.
Texas Street – Pacific Street to Valencia Street
This project to repave Texas Street between Pacific and Valencia includes modifications to the existing traffic circles and adds another to enhance safety. The project includes a lighted sidewalk on the south side of the corridor for pedestrian safety. Now that paving is complete, restoration work is ongoing and includes topsoil, seeding, trees, plantings and adjusting valve and manhole cover heights. Flaggers may be on-site. For more information, contact Craig Mueller, P.E., project engineer at camueller@cob.org or phone (360) 778-7922.
Mahogany Avenue – Northwest to Pacific Highway
We are working to finish construction of Mahogany Avenue, including the intersection of Arctic Avenue with Mahogany. This new street, which opens in November, will accommodate pending and proposed development in the area. Roadway improvements will include two travel lanes, bike lanes, illumination, landscaping, curbing, gutter and sidewalks. For more, visit the City's project web page or contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Donovan Avenue – 21st Street to east of 24th Street (Connolly Creek)
Work to replace an old and unreliable watermain on Donovan Avenue is essentially done. Now that paving is complete, restoration work is being done, which includes topsoil, seed and final details. Residents can expect construction noise between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and periodic flagging. Donovan is now open to traffic. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., project engineer, at camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Cornwall Avenue at Laurel Street
Construction continues on this project to deliver new public and franchise utilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, parking, landscaping and street lighting, and street access to the waterfront. Drivers can also expect truck traffic, some lane closures and construction delays at Roeder and Chestnut and on Cornwall. Please note the new traffic flow on Roeder at Granary. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
Silver Beach Road and Arbor Court – water pretreatment
Work on the City's new water pretreatment plant at Whatcom Falls Park is nearly done. The trail has reopened and the new fence, created through the “1% for the Arts” program, is in place. Typically workers are on-site Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Fridays ending at 3:30 p.m., and occasional Saturdays. There may be construction traffic, with flagging and limited trail access. Parking at Arbor Court and adjacent access to the waterline trail is closed. For more, visit DAF Water Treatment Plant or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
WSDOT and Whatcom County
The State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may have projects that border Bellingham. For more information visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/. For updates on Whatcom County Public Works traffic projects near Bellingham, visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/308/Public-Works.
We provide this “road report” as a public service, based on currently available information. When traveling through a construction area – whether walking, cycling or driving – please be patient, proceed with caution and obey flaggers at all times. Planned road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for a variety of work including resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work, and utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations may change, depending on inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules. For questions, contact AskPW@cob.org.
